Shares up as US rate hike eases; Halfords; IAG

Wed close: A stronger opening on Wall Street helped lift London stocks and bring some relief after a month of heavy selling. The FTSE 100 closed in positive territory, up 24.77 points or 0.4% at 6,083.31.

Investors now believe the US Federal Reserve will delay increasing interest rates after weaker economic data and have been encouraged by the latest Chinese moves to calm volatile markets.

Among corporates, the bicycles and car parts retailer Halfords fell 8.6% after weaker sales of bicycles attributed to the wet August weather.

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group advanced after announcing that its offer for Aer Lingus is closed and it now controls 98.05% of the Irish carrier.